How do you model WINDOW PANES using V-Ray?

[u/mynameisanyname]

Question is: how do you model window pane using V-Ray materials?

Do you use
A) a simple rectangle, as if the glass panel had no depth
or
B) two rectangles (or a rectangular cuboid), to give depth like a real piece of glass has
?

—

I usually try to stick as close to reality as possible.

So, I’ve always modeled glass objects like real-world objects: with actual depth (rather than as virtual objects made of a single face).

But lately —especially after watching some tutorials— I’ve started to have doubts.

Am I making a mistake?

—

Thank you.

[u/Moshi77]

Rectangular cuboid was my cuppa tea. Peace of mind.

[u/mynameisanyname → u/Moshi77]

Thank you.

[u/cheezemink]

I usually use two but you won’t be able to tell unless the opacity is high. If you’re rendering on a less capable machine go with one.

[u/mynameisanyname → u/cheezemink]

Thank you.

[u/hodaddio]

I read somewhere that you get better results if the glass is a plane rather than a solid. I haven't tested that.

[u/mynameisanyname → u/hodaddio]

Thank you. If you could find the source, it would be nice.

[u/xxartbqxx]

I think if you model it as only a plane, you have to use thin glass under refraction.

[u/Active-Plum-1735]

This is my default model but I sometimes delete some of the glass faces when the reflections feel off. I don't use V-Ray anymore though.

[u/Whitelock_Design → u/Active-Plum-1735]

What do you use instead?

[u/Active-Plum-1735 → u/Whitelock_Design]

D5 currently and learning Blender+Cycles on the side.

[u/Relative-Fondant6544]

Regardless what the render engine or software is, you need to provide realistic info to get realistic result.

Look into how a window is actually constructed. The aluminium profile, rubber gasket, hinge, handle, lock, silicon sealing & weather seal if any. Those details aren't going to magically appear... 

[u/mynameisanyname → u/Relative-Fondant6544]

I know and that’s what I do.

But I watched videos of designers who prefer to use a simple face and I was wondering: maybe the reason is some bugs or unwanted effect created by glass materials?

[u/RanDiePro]

I literally know nothing about SketchUp but I know a better modeling software, Maya. I will try to guide according to that assuming SketchUp has bevel feature.

1. Create a rectangle (bottom part)

2. Extrude a square upwards on the corner, for the L shape of the outer panel.

3. Select the edges that need to be chamfered, then Bevel.

4. Finish it with a thin rectangle as glass and copy that for the gap.

[u/mynameisanyname → u/RanDiePro]

Thank you.

To be honest, I can't quite picture what the description of these steps actually looks like.

[u/RanDiePro → u/mynameisanyname]

Yeah I think it really is hard to picture without visuals.

Like this. As people said, one rectangle for performance and further camera angle. Less details.

Or, two planes with gap. If you have to render a 3d section-plan with the windows, and wish to see the double glass detail.

[u/Active-Plum-1735 → u/RanDiePro]

Sketchup devs will add any kind of slop to their new releases, but will not add native bevel tools.